Abstract Rationale Bronchiectasis is a chronic pulmonary disease characterized by cough, sputum production, and recurrent exacerbations that impair quality of life. The prevalence of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis continues to rise, contributing to a growing healthcare burden. Nutritional status is an established determinant of outcomes in other chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, yet its impact in bronchiectasis remains poorly understood. Building on our 2024 analysis, this expanded study evaluates the relationship between dietary intake, body composition, and bronchiectasis disease severity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between nutrition, overall body composition, and bronchiectasis disease severity. Methods We are conducting an ongoing study evaluating the relationship between nutritional intake, body composition, and bronchiectasis severity. Data were collected using REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) through patient interviews, observer assessments, and review of electronic health records. Twenty-two participants with suppurative bronchiectasis have completed enrollment, with additional participants undergoing data collection. Nutrition was assessed using the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour (ASA24) Dietary Assessment Tool at three separate time points to quantify micro- and macronutrient intake. Body composition was measured via waist-to-hip circumference, body mass index (BMI), body roundness index (BRI), and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Bronchiectasis disease severity was evaluated using the Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) and Bronchiectasis Quality of Life (QOL-B) questionnaire. Results Among 22 participants with suppurative bronchiectasis, higher vitamin C intake correlated with greater bronchiectasis severity (r = 0.53, p = 0.017). A similar positive association was observed with vitamin E (r = 0.47, p = 0.026). In contrast, protein intake demonstrated a nonsignificant inverse relationship with BSI (r = -0.36, p = 0.12). Higher body fat mass and body fat percentage also trended toward lower BSI scores (r = -0.38, p = 0.07; r = -0.35, p = 0.10, respectively). No significant correlations were observed for vitamin D, calcium, waist-hip ratio, or body roundness index. Conclusion Significant correlations were observed between bronchiectasis severity and specific micronutrients, including vitamin C and E. Body fat mass and percentage trended inversely with disease severity, but were not statistically significant. These findings highlight potential nutritional and body composition factors influencing bronchiectasis outcomes and may inform future interventions targeting modifiable risk factors. Enrollment is ongoing, and future analyses will further assess these relationships. This abstract is funded by: Charles and Elizabeth Wetmore Fund
Bernskoetter et al. (Fri,) studied this question.